WHAT’S NEW
The 2017 Lincoln Continental enters the luxury sedan market with a choice of three V6 engines and four levels of trim. The models offered include: the Premier; Select; Reserve; and Black Label. Available powerplants include: a base 3.7-liter V-6; a twin turbo 2.7-liter V-6 and the “Hot Rod Lincoln” 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with Direct Injection that cranks out 400 horsepower at 6,750 rpm along with a numbers’ matching 400 pound feet of torque at 2,750 rpm.
Both Front-wheel drive and AWD are offered with the first two V-6s, while the 3.0-liter powered models are exclusively AWD with Torque Vectoring. All engines transfer energy to the driving wheels via a push-button operated six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
In terms of its exterior visual appeal, this all-new Lincoln Continental displays a certain elegance, but in a more mundane way – more on the order of an enhanced or upscale MKZ. It is stylish enough, but not necessarily emotion stirring.
My test 2017 Lincoln Continental was in Black Label trim. The base price was set at $65,075., which rose to $74,620 after adding optional features which included: the Chroma Caviar metallic exterior paint, the 3.0-liter V-6 engine, the Continental Technology Package, Continental Climate package and Destination and Delivery charge.
PERFORMANCE
Piloting the new Lincoln Continental is a most pleasurable experience. Acceleration is seemingly effortless and each smooth gear change delivers a distinctive and authoritative growl that’s enough to please most V8 fans. Lincoln Drive Control allows choosing between three suspension settings: Normal, Comfort, and Sport. An Auto Hold feature holds the vehicle at a complete stop without keeping one’s foot on the brake, making commuting in stop and go traffic easier. Parking is also easier with Self Parking.
The ride quality is most comfortable, but with a stable, planted feel and the handling characteristics are highly responsive from steering to braking.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Slipping into the interior, which accommodates five in an elegant, plush ambience and comes in one of three available Black Label themes: Chalet, Rhapsody and Thoroughbred. There are Available Perfect Position front seats with available heating, cooling and massaging functionality as well as up to 30-way adjustability.
The instrument panel is simple and functional, designed to inform rather than overwhelm, and may be configured to display select gauges, providing as little or as much information as desired. Total passenger volume is106.4 cu.ft.
TFLCAR’s TAKE:
In the final analysis, the new Lincoln Continental Black Label AWD is an ideal luxury sedan that represents a positive step in the right direction to return Lincoln to its former lofty status in the luxury marketplace.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Lincoln Continental Black Label
- Base Price: $65,075, Price as Tested: $74,620
- Engine Type and Size: 3.0-liter DOHC, 24-valve Twin-turbo GTDI V6
- Horsepower (bhp): 400 @ 6,750 rpm
- Torque (ft./ lbs.): 400 @ 2,750 rpm
- Transmission: Six-speed SelectShift automatic with paddle shifters
- Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / AWD
- Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut dampers with aluminum control arm and stabilizer bar; Continuously Controlled Damping
- Rear – Advanced integral-link suspension with coil springs, gas-pressurized dampers and stabilizer bar; Continuously Controlled Damping
- Brakes: Power-assisted four wheel vented discs with ABS
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle 245/40 R20 99W A/S
- Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
- Length Overall: 201.4 inches
- Width: 82.3 inches – with mirrors
- Height: 58.5 inches
- Curb Weight: 4,547 lbs.
- Turning Circle: 41.77 ft.
- Fuel Capacity: 18 gallons
- EPA Mileage Estimates: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
